Toll Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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toll

[toสŠl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

road

A payment made for the use of a road or bridge.

Synonyms

charge, fee, tariff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
toll

This word applies primarily to charges for using specific roads or bridges.

  • The toll for crossing the bridge is $5
  • Traffic increased after the toll was removed
fee

Use 'fee' when referring to payments for professional services or memberships.

  • There is a $50 fee for consulting with the lawyer
  • The membership fee is due at the end of the month
charge

Use this term for general costs or prices, especially for services or additional items.

  • There is an extra charge for checked baggage on the flight
  • They charge $20 for delivery
tariff

This term is appropriate when discussing taxes or duties on imported or exported goods.

  • The new tariff on steel imports is 10%
  • The tariff increase will affect the cost of importing electronics

Examples of usage

  • We had to pay a toll to cross the bridge.
  • The toll for the highway has increased this year.
Context #2 | Noun

phone

A charge for a long-distance call.

Synonyms

charge, fee, rate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
toll

Used mainly for payments required for using a road, bridge, or similar infrastructure. It can also refer to the broader impact or consequence of something.

  • The highway toll is $5.
  • The pandemic has taken a heavy toll on mental health.
charge

Refers to a financial cost required for a service or product. It is general and can be used in many different contexts.

  • There is a $10 charge for delivery.
  • They charge a fee for parking.
fee

Specifically applicable to payments for professional services, memberships, or formal actions.

  • The lawyer's fee was quite high.
  • There is an admission fee to enter the museum.
rate

Used for expressing a fixed price in relation to a specific unit, quantity, or time period. Often used in contexts like hotel room prices, interest rates, and hourly wages.

  • The hotel room rate is $150 per night.
  • The interest rate for this loan is 5%.

Examples of usage

  • I made an international call and was charged a toll.
  • The toll for calling overseas is quite expensive.
Context #3 | Verb

phone

To call someone on the phone.

Synonyms

call, phone, ring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
toll

Use this word when referring to a charge or fee for a service like using a road, bridge, or making a long-distance call. It can also mean the act of ringing a bell, usually in a ceremonial or solemn context.

  • The toll for the bridge is $5
  • The church bell tolled at midnight
call

Use this word when you want to talk to someone by phone or when referring to the act of making a telephone connection.

  • Can you call me later? I will call the restaurant to make a reservation
phone

Use this word when you want to refer to the device itself or the action of using the device to make a call.

  • I'll phone you when I get home
  • My phone is out of battery
ring

Use this word when referring to the sound a phone makes or to the action of calling someone, often in British English.

  • Did you hear the phone ring? I'll give you a ring tomorrow

Examples of usage

  • I'll toll you when I arrive.
  • She tolled her friend to discuss the plan.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Transportation

  • Many bridges and highways use tolls to maintain and improve infrastructure, helping ensure safe travel.
  • Electronic toll collection systems, like E-ZPass, have made it easier for drivers to pay without stopping.
  • Toll roads are often found where traditional funding for road maintenance isnโ€™t enough.

Legal Aspects

  • In some regions, the legality of toll roads has been challenged, sparking debates about public access versus private funding.
  • Certain laws dictate how toll money is used, often requiring it to be reinvested into the road system.
  • Toll booths can be sources of legal disputes, especially concerning pricing fairness and traffic management.

Cultural Reference

  • Tolls have inspired songs and poems, often symbolizing the cost of choices we make in life.
  • In literature, tolls can represent life's expensesโ€”what we must give or sacrifice to achieve our goals.
  • Various countries have different attitudes toward tolls; in some places, they're seen as a fair trade-off for better roads.

Economic Impact

  • Tolls can significantly influence traffic patterns, often diverting vehicles from more expensive routes to cheaper options.
  • The money collected from tolls can lead to job creation in construction and road maintenance.
  • Economic studies have shown that tolls may reduce overall traffic congestion by encouraging carpooling and public transportation.

Origin of 'toll'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English term 'tola', which means a payment for services or rights.
  • Originally, it referred to a payment made to access certain lands or properties.
  • The concept has evolved to include fees for transportation routes, especially in modern contexts.

The word 'toll' originated from Old English 'tol,' meaning a tax or fee paid for a privilege or service. It has evolved over time to refer to charges for road usage or long-distance phone calls. The concept of tolls has been present in various cultures throughout history as a means of financing infrastructure or services.


See also: tollgate, tolling, tollway.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,153 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.